Intel's Extreme Edition "Yorkfield" processor will launch on November 12; sub-3.0 GHz variants will launch in the first half of January 2008

Intel’s latest roadmap reveals upcoming additions to its desktop processor lineup. Unfortunately, anybody awaiting a straightforward naming convention will need to hold out a bit longer as the processor numbers for desktop Yorkfield and Wolfdale chips complicate the naming situation even further.

The launch of an Extreme Edition version of a chip before mainstream offerings follows Intel’s modus operandi, and as such the rest of the Penryn family
will not be seen until the first half of January 2008. The company
ambiguously names January 2nd through 20th as the slated launch date
for the processors, though companies generally tend to time launch
events with trade shows. The 2008 International Consumer Electronics
Show starts on January 7, 2008.

Yorkfield Quad-Core Desktop - 1333 MHz FSB

Model

Core
Frequency

TDP

L2 Cache

Launch Price

QX9650

3.0 GHz

130W

12MB

$999

Q9950

2.83 GHz

95W

12MB

$530

Q9450

2.66 GHz

95W

12MB

$316

Q9300

2.50 GHz

95W

6MB

$266

The first of the new desktop processors, the quad-core Yorkfield-based QX9650, will be released on November 12 at an expected price of $999. The operating frequency of Intel's highest end 45nm quad-core at launch will be 3.0 GHz.

The Intel Q9550, Q9450 and Q9300 will be the first of the mainstream Yorkfield offerings. At $266, the 45nm 2.50 GHz Q9300 replaces the 65nm 2.4 GHz Q6600.

Wolfdale Dual-Core Desktop - 1333 MHz FSB

Model

Core
Frequency

TDP

L2 Cache

Launch Price

E8500

3.16 GHz

65W

6MB

$266

E8400

3.00 GHz

65W

6MB

$183

E8200

2.66 GHz

65W

6MB

N/A

Intel guidance also suggests an intermediate SKU between E8400 and E8200, aptly named the E8300. This processor will eventually replace the 2.83 GHz dual-core processor previously named E8200. Since the E8300 and E8200 specifications are not set in stone, neither is the final pricing. Intel's lowest price-point for dual-core 65nm is $163, and it's safe to wager that the E8300 or E8200 will also carry the same pricing.

Before Intel's media-blitz on November 12, the company will silently launch the 65nm 2.4 GHz dual-core E4600 Conroe processor on October 21, 2007.